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The manufacture of hope : religion, eschatology and the culture of optimism

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Bennett, Oliver, 1950-. (2011) The manufacture of hope : religion, eschatology and the culture of optimism. International Journal of Cultural Policy, Vol.17 (No.2). pp. 115-130. ISSN 1028-6632

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10286632.2010.543462

Abstract

This article builds on earlier research, which concludes that societies cannot sustain themselves without cultures of optimism. These cultures are reproduced by a complex of ‘optimism promoters’, all of which can be seen to be engaged in a kind of unstated or ‘implicit’ cultural policy, with the production of optimism as one of its goals. The institution of religion is part of this complex. Its role in the production of optimism is the focus of this article, with particular reference to soteriology (theories of salvation) and eschatology. From a ‘detached’ and ‘functionalist’ perspective, it analyses how religions manufacture hope through (1) the production of meaning; (2) through their models of divine justice; and (3) through theories of ultimate destiny. These matters are discussed in relation to Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. The article concludes that the optimisms of religion are of a quite different order from those promoted by other institutions.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts > Theatre, Performance and Cultural Policy Studies > Centre for Cultural Policy Studies
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Optimism, Cultural policy, Salvation -- Christianity, Eschatology, Psychology and religion, Hope -- Religious aspects
Journal or Publication Title:	International Journal of Cultural Policy
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
ISSN:	1028-6632
Date:	22 March 2011
Volume:	Vol.17
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 115-130
Identification Number:	10.1080/10286632.2010.543462
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/37697